Commodore Amiga A1200 User manual

User's Guide
A1200
AM/CA
(:: Commodore

User's Guide
A1200

Copyright © 1992 by Commodore Electronics Limited. All rights Reserved. This document may not, in
whole or
in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or
machine readable form without prior consent,
in writing, from Commodore Electronics Limited.
With this document Commodore makes no warranties or representations, either expressed, or implied,
with respect to the products described herein. The information presented herein
is being supplied on an
"AS IS" basis and
is expressly subject to change without notice. The entire risk as to the use of this
information is assumed by the user.
IN NO EVENTWILL COMMODORE BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY
CLAIM ARISING
OUT OF THE INFORMATION PRESENTED HEREIN, EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT
APPLY.
Commodore and the Commodore logo are registered trademarks of Commodore Electronics Limited.
Amiga
is a registered trademark, and AmigaDOS, Bridgeboard, Kickstart, and Workbench are
trademarks, of Commodore-Amiga, Inc. Hayes
is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer
Products, Inc. Centronics
is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corp. Motorola is a
registered trademark, and 68030 and 68EC020 are trademarks, of Motorola Inc. MultiSync
is a
registered trademark of NEC Technologies Inc. ARexx
is a trademark of William S. Hawes. MS-DOS is
a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used according with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try
to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into
an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or
an experienced radiorrV technician for help.
CAUTION: Only equipment with shield-grounded cables (computer input-output devices, terminals,
printers, etc.) certified to comply with appropriate FCC limits can be attached to this device.
Operation with non-certified equipment may result
in communications interference. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the device.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B electromagnetic noise emission limits for digital
apparatus as defined
in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables
aux appareils numeriques de Classe B prescrites dans le reglement sur le brouillage radioelectriques
edicte par le Ministere des Communications du Canada.
Printed in Germany, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
This book was produced using a variety of Commodore systems by Ross
Hippely, Wilson Harp, and Carina Ahren,
PIN: 368997-01

WARNING
Installation information in this
document is for reference only. All
installation of internal optional devices
or equipment including third-party
optional devices or equipment, should
be performed by an experienced and
knowledgeable technician. All servicing or
upgrading of original or optional devices or
equipment should also be performed by an
experienced and knowledgeable technician.
UNAUTHORIZED INSTALLATION,
SERVICING OR UPGRADING MAY
VOID YOUR WARRANTIES.
This manual provides a general description of various product configurations and
features currently planned for inclusion in Commodore's product line. The
configurations and features described may not be available or otherwise apply to
your particular system. Please consult your Commodore dealer with any questions.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Quick Connect
Before You Begin ............................................................................1-1
As You Set Up Your System ...........................................................1-1
Main Unit ..........................................................................................1-2
Attaching the Mouse............................................................................. 1-5
Attaching a Monitor .............................................................................. 1-6
RGB Monitors................................................................................ 1-6
Composite Monitors....................................................................... 1-7
NTSC Televisions .......................................................................... 1-7
PAL Televisions............................................................................. 1-9
SCART Televisions...................................................................... 1-10
Connecting Optional Equipment..................................................1-10
Audio Connection ............................................................................... 1-10
Audio Connection to a Stereo Monitor..........................................
1-11
Audio Connection to a Monaural Monitor...................................... 1-11
Audio Connection to Other Equipment ......................................... 1-11
Attaching an External Floppy Drive ..................................................... 1-12
Attaching a Parallel Device ................................................................. 1-12
Attaching a Serial Device.................................................................... 1-12
Attaching a Joystick............................................................................ 1-12
Connecting Power and Turning On the Amiga ............................1-13

vi Table of Contents
Chapter 2
Getting Started
Booting Floppy-Based Systems..................................................... 2-1
Booting Hard Disk-Based Systems................................................ 2-1
The Opening Screen .......................................................................2-2
Turning Off the Amiga ....................................................................2-3
The
Amiga Keyboard.......................................................................2-3
The Main Keyboard Area ......................................................................2-5
Shift Keys ......................................................................................2-5
Alt Keys.........................................................................................2-5
Ctrl ................................................................................................2-6
Left Amiga .....................................................................................
2~6
Right Amiga...................................................................................2-6
Return ...........................................................................................2-6
Caps Lock .....................................................................................2-6
Esc................................................................................................2-7
Tab................................................................................................2-7
Backspace.....................................................................................2-7
The Numeric Keypad ............................................................................2-7
The Function Keys................................................................................2-8
The
Del, Help, and Arrow Keys .............................................................2-8
Del .................................................................................................2-8
Help...............................................................................................2-8
The Arrow Keypad .........................................................................2-8
Keyboard Equivalents to the Mouse.......................................................2-9
Chapter3
Before Expanding Your System
Memory Expansion ......................................................................... 3-1
Drive Expansion ................ ~.; ...........................................................3-2
CPU Expansion ...............................................................................3-2
PCMCIA Expansion.........................................................................3-2
When
Installing Internal Options ...................................................3-3
ESD Precautions ..................................................................................3-4

Table of Contents vii
Chapter4
Using PCMCIA Cards
Inserting and Removing Card Slot Devices ................................... 4-1
Memory Cards..................................................................................4-2
Write-Protection ................................................................................... 4-2
Card Battery............................................................................,............ 4-3
Cards Prepared as RAM....................................................................... 4-3
Cards Prepared as Disk........................................................................ 4-3
ROM Applications............................................................................4-4
Other Devices ..................................................................................4-4
Notes on Insertion and Removal ....................................................4-4
Chapter5
Help With System Problems
Avoiding Problems.......................................................................... 5-1
Identifying and Solving Problems ..................................................5-2
Software Problems ............................................................................... 5-2
Startup Problems..................................................................................5-3
Disk Problems ......................................................................................5-4
Notes
on Floppy-Based Systems ................................................... 5-4
Notes
on Hard Disk Systems ......................................................... 5-4
Installation and Maintenance Problems................................................. 5-5
Installation Problems ..................................................................... 5-6
Maintenance Problems .................................................................. 5-6
Non User-Serviceable Problems.....................................................5-6
AppendixA
Technical Specifications

viii
Table of Contents
AppendixB
Input/Output Connector Pin
Assignments
SERIAL Port•................................................................................... 8-2
PARALLEL Port .............................................................................. 8-4
VIDEO Port...................................................................................... 8-6
MOUSE Ports.................................................•................................ 8-8
DISK DRIVE (floppy) Port............................................................... 8-9
CPU Slot ........................................................................................ 8-10
AppendixC
Using Floppy Disks
Using 3.S-lnch Floppy Disks.......................................................... C-1
Guidelines for Using Disks............................................................C-3
AppendixD
Amiga Character Set
Index

Welcome
The hardware strengths ofthe Commodore® Amiga® family cif
personal computers make the Amiga the computer platform of
choice for video, multimedia, 3-D modeling, animation, and other
graphics-intensive applications. The Amiga 1200 line features more
sophisticated standard graphics capabilities and a compact,
expandable base unit for maximum flexibility.
Features
The Amiga 1200 (A1200) offers a set of advanced features,
including:
• Motorola 68EC020 microprocessor
running at 14 MHz
• Factory-installed Motorola Floating Point Unit (FPU) available
• AA custom chipset offering graphics with 256 colors from a
palette of 16.8 million in all color modes
• Built-in de-interlacing ofNTSC and PAL video modes

x Using this Guide
• Up to 2 megabytes 32-bit "Chip" memory
• IDE (16-bit) hard drive interface
• Optional
internaI2.5-inch hard drive
•
Integral full-size keyboard with numeric keypad
• PCMCIA "credit card" memory/accessory slot
•
Internal 150-pin "local bus" CPU slot
•
Expandable to 8 megabytes "Fast" memory
• RGB, color composite,
and RF (television) outputs
• Built-in 880 KB floppy disk drive
• Four-voice stereo sound
output
Using this Guide
This guide is designed to help you set up your Amiga system quickly
and safely. It contains information on making the necessary
external connections, adding internal and external expansion
options,
and other hardware-related tasks. Once your Amiga
system is up and running properly, you should be able to put this
manual aside until such time as you add expansion hardware or
need technical information.
Consult the other Amiga documentation included with your system
for software information.
DocumentConvenHons
In this and other Amiga documentation from Commodore, the
following conventions are used:
Amiga, A1200 The Amiga 1200
main unit is usually referred to as
the A1200 or the Amiga.
Key1 + Key2 Key combinations
with a plus (+) sign between the
keys indicate pressing the keys simultaneously. For
example, Right Amiga+O means to hold down the
rIght Amiga key and, while holding it down, press O.

Related Documentation xi
Amigakeys
These two keys on the Amiga keyboard are used for
special functions.
The left Amiga key is to the left of
the space bar and is marked with a large solid A.
The right Amiga key is to the right of the space bar
and is marked with an outlined A. Unlike Shift and
Alt key pairs, the two Amiga keys usually have
different functions.
Enter
Directions to "enter" something mean to type in the
indicated information and then press Return.
arrow keys
The arrow keys are the four keys in an inverted- T
formation to the right of the main keyboard, with
arrows on them pointing up, down, left, and right.
Do not confuse these keys with others on the
keyboard marked with arrows.
Related Documentation
•
•
•
•
Workbench™ User's Guide
AmigaDOSTM User's Guide
ARexx User's Guide
The Amiga Hard Drive User's Guide
If you come upon terms in this book that you do not understand,
look in the Glossary of the Workbench User's Guide, which defines
many computer and Amiga-specific terms.

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Chapter 1
Quick Connect
As you unpack your system, check the items in the system box.
Contact your dealer immediately if anything is damaged.
This chapter guides you through setting up your system. Read the
instructions carefully.
Before You Begin
• Choose a location for your system away from heat, dust, smoke,
vibration and electrical interference.
• Choose a stable work surface at least 6 in.l15 cm away from a
wall.
• Have on hand a multi-outlet power strip with surge protection.
(These units are available from most computer stores.)
Commodore strongly recommends that you use this type of
outlet to protect your system from electrical problems.
• Make sure your equipment matches the electrical requirements
for the country in which you are using the computer. For
example, you can't use a 110/115 volt model in countries having
a 220/240 volt system.
• Read the descriptions in this chapter to acquaint yourself with
the purpose and function of each feature and connector.
As You Set Up Your System
• If possible, plug your system into a separate circuit to avoid any
electrical interference. Voltage surges and drops caused by

1-2 Main Unit
devices such as air conditioners, fans and vacuum cleaners can
cause damage to your computer data and/or to the computer
itself.
• Look
at your system and match the features and connectors
with the illustrations in this chapter. Use the illustrations to
help you identify the lights, switches, connectors and disk drive.
•
Use the instructions to connect the monitor, mouse, and any
optional peripherals to the system unit. All connectors are
shaped so they fit only one way. Don't try to force a cable into a
connector.
• Never connect or disconnect any equipment when the system
power is on!
• If you have a problem, always check the instructions before
proceeding, especially the illustrations. Remember, you can
cause damage by not following instructions.
Main Unit
The main unit case contains the basic components that run your
computer. The system motherboard, disk drives, and optional
expansion module are located in the main unit. Most other parts of
your computer system connect to the main unit by cables.
The top panel, illustrated in Figure 1-1, identifies system features
such as the keyboard and disk drive activity lights.
The right side panel, illustrated in Figure 1-2, shows the floppy
drive
slot and disk eject button.
The left side panel, illustrated in Figure 1-3, shows the PCMCIA
card slot.
The bottom panel, illustrated in Figure 1-4, shows the location of
the CPU expansion slot door.
The rear panel, illustrated in Figure 1-5, shows you where the other
parts of your system (for example, the monitor and mouse) plug into
the main unit.

Main Unit
Main unit
Keyboard
Figure
1-1. A1200
top panel
3.5-inch
floppy
drive
~
Figure
1-2.
A1200 right side
1-3
Hard drive
activity light
--+-rt--Floppy
drive
activity light
Disk eject button

1-4 Main Unit
PCMCIA card slot
Figure 1-3. A1200 left side
CPU expansion slot door
0 0
I--
-
I--
-
@ @
L-
r-
0 0
-IOJ-
J(jI11mm11l1l1mHR11 111111111801 0
Figure 1-4. A1200 bottom

Main Unit 1-5
Game port Serial R/L Audio Composite jack
Floppy port Parallel jacks
Mouse port drive port port Video port Power connector
! \
le" J
Cl ~rE1J!li·::'~::~:j"".1 ~ !ll.:.~:;.::~;; .. Ai9°~ 0 "'-~-~
~m0
OR Cm 0
PAL NTSC
Figure 1-5. A1200rear panel
Begin setting up your Amiga system by connecting the mouse and
connecting. the monitor.
Attaching the Mouse
~
To attach the mouse, plug the mouse cable into the port
labeled MOUSE on the rear of the Amiga. Press firmly, but
do not force. The cable connector is designed to fit snugly
into the mouse port.
Leave a clear area approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) square
to the right or the left of the Amiga so that you have room to move
the mouse freely. Use ofa mouse pad helps keep the mouse from
getting dirty and makes it respond better.
Before using the mouse, remove the packing
material. Turn the mouse upside down and pull
out the foam strip that holds the mouse ball in
place.

1-6 Main Unit
Attaching a Monitor
The A1200 has three display outputs, allowing you to use any of
several kinds of display devices:
• VIDEO port:
analog RGB monitor (multiscanl15 KHzNGA);
television with SCART connection
• COMP.
jack: composite monitor; television (using VCR video
input)
RF MODULATORjack: NTSC television; PAL television
See
the documentation for your monitor and any other graphics
expansion hardware you may have for specific information about
making the proper connections. Appendix A has more information
on monitor compatibility. Your dealer can help you choose the right
combination of graphics hardware, monitor, and monitor cable or
adapter for your use.
After
connecting your monitor, skip ahead to the section
"Connecting Power and Turning On the Amiga" if you have no
optional equipment to install. Power connection is always the final
step.
RGB Monitors
An RGB monitor gives the highest quality picture, and allows you
the widest selection of the Amiga's many display modes.
Several types of analog RGB monitors can be used with the A1200,
including
multiscan, 15 KHz, and VGAlSVGA monitors. A
multiscan (multiple horizontal scan rate or "multisync") RGB
monitor provides the greatest flexibility. A multiscan monitor is
required if you wish to use display modes that have different
horizontal scan rates.
A 15 KHz analog RGB monitor can display only the
Amiga's default display mode and other 15 KHz scan rate
modes. A VGA or SVGA type monitor can display the
Amiga's de-interlaced and higher resolution modes, but
not the standard 15 KHz video modes.

Main Unit 1-7
Connect a 15 KHz monitor with a 23-pin female connector,
such as the Commodore 1084 or 10848, directly to the
A1200 VIDEO port. For a monitor such as a multiscan,
VGA, or 8VGA model that has a small 15-pin VGA-style
connector, connect
the 23-pin to 15-pin adapter included
with the A1200 to the VIDEO port, then connect the
monitor cable to the adapter.
With the proper adapter cable, a television with a SCART input can
be used as a 15 KHz RGB monitor. See the "SCART Televisions"
section below for more information.
Composite Monitors
o Use a connector cable with a male RCA-type plug at one end
~
and a plug compatible with your monitor input to connect a
composite
monitor. Plug the RCA end into the Amiga's
composite output jack (labelled COMP.) and the other end into
the composite input jack on the monitor.
You
can also plug this end of the cable into a VCR that has a
composite
input (usually an RCA-type jack labeled VIDEO IN
or EXTERNAL VIDEO). This allows you to record Amiga output
onto video cassette and use a television connected to the VCR for the
Amiga display.
This method provides a higher quality picture than using the RF
modulator output to connect to the VCR or television antenna
inputs. However, only the standard 15 KHz display modes can be
displayed this way. An RGB monitor is required to properly
reproduce the Amiga's de-interlaced and higher resolution display
modes.
NTSC Televisions
Connecting an NTSC television requires a computerlTV switch box
and a connector cable with male RCA-type plugs at both ends. If
your television reception is through a coaxial cable with a round "F"
connector you also need a 75-ohm to 300-ohm adapter. These items
are available from any department or electronics store.

1-8 Main Unit
If you have a VCR or television set with a composite video input (an
RCAjack usually labeled VID~O IN) you should use the composite
output as described in the "Composite Monitors" section above. This
is simpler and produces a better picture. If your TV or VCR has
antenna inputs only, use the following procedure:
1. Disconnect the cable or VHF antenna wire from the TV or VCR.
2.
For coaxial cable: connect the end of the cable to a 75-ohm to
300-ohm adapter.
3. Connect the VHF antenna or adapter leads to the CONNECT
TO ANTENNA terminals on the switch box.
4. Connect the short twin-lead wire on the side of the switch box to
the VHF terminals on the TV or VCR.
5.
Plug one end of the connector cable into the RF MODULATOR
jack on the Amiga.
6.
Plug the other end of the connector cable into the COMPUTER
jack on the switch box.
Channel
select switch
I ,- RF modulator
~jaCk
'" I {~ 300-ohm
~o ~
,(C! I';: OR
'---~ __ 0----' ~ ~ m=t=
Switchbox Adapter 7S-ohm
7. Set the Channel Select switch to the left for channel 3 or to the
right for channel 4, whichever is not used in your geographical
area.
8. Select the COMPUTER switch setting on the switch box.